countyscore
49
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.8Schools 76.1Disaster Risk 67

County Report Card

About Blanco County, Texas

Nearly Meeting National Standards

Blanco County earns a 49.0 composite score, nearly matching the national median of 50.0. It is a highly competitive rural county on a national scale.

Outperforming the Texas Average

The county sits well above the Texas state average of 41.9. Its combination of high income and quality education makes it one of the premier locations in the Hill Country.

Wealthy Households and Great Schools

Blanco County features a stellar income score of 90.6 with a median income of $87,564. Residents also benefit from a high school score of 76.1 and a moderate tax rate of 1.043%.

Water Scarcity and High Entry Costs

Water access is a critical challenge with a score of only 10.2. Furthermore, a median home value of $396,200 leads to a low cost score of 26.8, making it difficult for new buyers to enter the market.

Suited for Affluent Families

This county is perfect for wealthy families seeking top-tier schools and a high-income community. It is best for those who can afford high real estate prices and manage private water solutions.

2040608010040.821.858.146.376.191.86710.231Tax40.8Cost21.8Safety58.1Health46.3Schools76.1Income91.8Risk67Water10.2Weather3149/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Blanco County DNA

Foverall

How Blanco County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Blanco County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (91.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (10.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
40.8-11.200000000000003
Cost
21.8-26.2
Safety
58.1
Health
46.3
Schools
76.1+22.099999999999994
Income
91.8+40.8
Risk
67+20
Water
10.2-47.8
Weather
31-25
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Compare mortgage rates in Blanco County

Whether buying or refinancing in Blanco County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$483,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,017/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$483,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $92,425/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Llano County
Texas
47.5
Burnet County
Texas
37.6
Hays County
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22.8
Kendall County
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41.8
Travis County
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Gillespie County
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Comal County
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Williamson County
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43.7

Deep Dives

Blanco County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Blanco County

via TaxByCounty

Blanco County offers low rates

Blanco County's effective tax rate of 1.043% ranks in the 34th percentile nationally, below the U.S. median of 1.276%. Despite high median property values of $396,200—the largest in this sample—residents pay median taxes of $4,134, slightly above the national median of $2,690.

Below-average rate, premium properties

Blanco County's effective rate of 1.043% is well below the Texas state average of 1.276%, yet its median property tax of $4,134 exceeds the state median of $2,193. This Hill Country county attracts affluent buyers seeking low rates on high-value homes.

Best rate for wealthy homeowners

Blanco County's 1.043% rate is second-lowest among this group, beaten only by Bandera (0.940%). However, its median home value of $396,200 is far higher than any peer, making it the choice for upscale buyers wanting tax efficiency.

Higher value, moderate rate

A median home valued at $396,200 in Blanco County generates an estimated annual tax of $4,134. With a mortgage, that climbs to $5,390; without one, it is $3,175.

Even low rates need checking

Blanco County's favorable tax rate doesn't guarantee accurate assessments. High-value properties benefit from expert appraisal review; if your home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales, appeal immediately to secure meaningful savings on already substantial tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Blanco County

via IncomeByCounty

Blanco County leads national income rankings

At $87,564, Blanco County's median household income exceeds the national median of $74,755 by roughly $12,800, placing it in the top 20% nationally. The county boasts strong earning power and prosperous household economies.

Among Texas's highest-income counties

Blanco County's median household income of $87,564 dramatically exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by over $22,800 annually. Among the eight counties examined, Blanco ranks second only to nearby Bastrop and stands among Texas's most affluent counties.

Regional wealth leader in Hill Country

Blanco County's $87,564 median household income tops all peers in this sample, surpassing Bastrop County ($82,730) and Bandera County ($69,703). Its per capita income of $47,358 far exceeds the state average of $33,197, indicating particularly high individual earning capacity.

Lowest housing burden despite premium prices

At 12.6%, Blanco County's rent-to-income ratio is the most favorable in this sample despite the county's premium $396,200 median home value. A household earning $87,564 annually allocates roughly $915 monthly to rent, leaving substantial room for savings and discretionary spending.

Maximize wealth through strategic investments

With the highest median household income and per capita income in this sample, Blanco County residents enjoy exceptional capacity for wealth accumulation. Focus on diversified investment portfolios, estate planning, and philanthropic strategies to compound the county's considerable economic advantages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Blanco County

via CrimeByCounty

Quiet and Secure Community

Blanco County is a very safe community, reporting a total crime rate of 964.8 per 100K. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5, earning the county a safety score of 98.5.

Leading the State Standard

With a safety score of 98.5, Blanco County easily outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is less than half of the statewide average of 2,052.5.

Rural Peace vs. Regional Growth

Blanco County is safer than neighboring Bastrop (1,956.6) but has a slightly higher crime rate than Bandera (845.1). Three local agencies work together to maintain the county's reputation for peace and safety.

Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is low at 189.5 per 100K, which is about half the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 775.3 incidents per 100K, also well below the national mark.

Defending Your Property Simply

Residents can help maintain these low numbers by using automated lighting and securing garage doors. Community awareness is the best defense against property crimes in this quiet county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Blanco County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate but distinctly southern warmth

Blanco County averages 66.3°F annually, which is about 12 degrees warmer than the national median. This reflects a climate dominated by long, warm seasons.

Consistent with Texas state averages

The county's 66.3°F average temperature is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It experiences the standard heat and mild winters expected in the region.

Slightly wetter than state norms

Blanco receives 33.0 inches of precipitation annually, just above the state average of 31.9 inches. This helps maintain the scenic Hill Country landscapes that define the area.

Over 100 days of heat

Summer temperatures average 81.8°F, including 103 days that reach 90°F or higher. Winters are mild with a 49.9°F average and negligible snowfall of 0.1 inches.

Focus on summer sun protection

Plan for 103 days of extreme heat by installing solar shades or planting trees. Keep a light jacket for January's 48.1°F average, but leave the heavy snow gear behind.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Blanco County

via SoilByCounty

The Hidden Soils of Blanco

Blanco County has limited recorded data for its dominant soil pH and taxonomic order in the current survey. While we cannot provide an average pH, the region typically mirrors the alkaline trends of the surrounding Hill Country. These rocky landscapes often feature thin but mineral-dense soil layers.

A Landscape of Varied Textures

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for Blanco County. Local experience suggests a rocky terrain with pockets of clay and loam in the valleys. This lack of data highlights the need for site-specific testing before starting major agricultural projects.

Organic Potential in the Hills

Though specific organic matter and water capacity numbers aren't recorded, the county supports lush native vegetation. Gardeners here typically rely on composting to build up the thin soil layers found on rocky slopes. The natural fertility is evident in the thriving local vineyards and ranchlands.

Managing Water on Rocky Terrain

Drainage and hydrologic data are not currently available for this county's primary soil types. However, the hilly geography suggests that runoff management is a primary concern for any land user. Builders often encounter limestone bedrock near the surface, which dictates drainage patterns.

Vineyard Dreams in Zone 8b

Blanco County sits in hardiness zone 8b, a prime location for Texas viticulture and lavender farming. Even without detailed soil stats, the climate is perfect for drought-hardy Mediterranean plants. Start your Hill Country garden by focusing on native species that don't mind a bit of mystery in the soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Blanco County

via LawnByCounty

Blanco's Rugged Lawn Reality

Blanco County holds one of the lowest lawn scores in the region at 23.2 out of 100. This makes it significantly more difficult than the state average (31.7) and less than half as easy as the national average. Homeowners in Zone 8b face a constant battle against the elements.

Scorching Heat and Moderate Rain

Lawns must survive 103 days of extreme heat and 6,378 growing degree days every year. The 33.0 inches of annual precipitation is near the state average but often falls in intense bursts rather than steady intervals. This climate requires a strategic approach to irrigation to prevent turf burnout.

Navigating Limited Soil Data

While specific soil texture and pH data are unavailable for this county, the rugged Hill Country terrain typically features thin, rocky soils. Growers should prioritize a professional soil test to determine specific nutrient and drainage needs. Adding several inches of topsoil is often required before successful seeding can occur.

A Year of Severe Drought

Blanco County has endured 39 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the county currently in severe conditions. Lawns are likely to enter dormancy without significant supplemental watering during these stretches. Focus on maintaining plant health rather than lush green color during the peak summer months.

Timing the Blanco Bloom

Drought-hardy varieties like Buffalograss or Zoysia are the best bets for this challenging climate. Plan your seeding or sodding for late March, once the last frost risk passes around March 22. Proper species selection is the only way to achieve a sustainable lawn in these difficult conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blanco County's county score?
Blanco County, Texas has a composite county score of 49 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Blanco County rank among counties in Texas?
Blanco County ranks #67 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Blanco County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Blanco County is $4,510, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Blanco County a tax score of 40.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Blanco County?
The median household income in Blanco County, Texas is $92,425 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Blanco County earns an income score of 91.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Blanco County, Texas a good place to live?
Blanco County scores 49/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Blanco County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Blanco County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.